The Case of Elvis Presley

Polysubstance Dependence- the use of at least three different substances for at least six months, with no substance predominating.

Born: Jan. 8, 1935Twin still-born 35 minutes before Elvis Family was extremely poor and moved often

When age 4, father spent three years in prisonMother known to be excessively protective of her only childMom was very tense and nervousOften took medicine for her bad nervesReasonable happy childhoodMoved to Memphis, moving into public housing in 1949

From 1956-1958 his stardom reached unbelievable heights, selling over 142 gold records worldwide

Drafted into the U.S. army in 1958Mom refused to speak with him left alone for first timeMoms health began to deteriorate, in constant state of depression and fits of anger

While Elvis was in the army mom began drinking heavily and was eventually diagnosed with hepatitisMom dies August 1958Devastated by the news Elvis begins a period of isolation

At age 33, marries Priscilla Lisa Marie is born 9 months laterHas first #1 hit in seven years (Suspicious Minds, 1969)Emotionally drained and destructive living habits

Began promiscuous behaviorOut of sync sleeping schedulePoor eating habitsIncreasing dependence and abuse of prescription drugs

From the time Priscilla sued for divorce in 1973 until his death, Elviss weight and drug used increased markedlyExperienced numerous physical disordersHeavily sedated for several days after discovering Priscilla was involved with someone else

By 1974 often spent days at a time in his room at GracelandBegan wild spending spreesOften seemed confused and sweated profuselyGiggle fits on stageIncreasing drug use

In the 32 months prior to his death, his physician allegedly prescribed 19,000 prescriptions (claimed many were placebos)His pastime toward the end was studying medical and prescription books

Bio-Science laboratories stated Presley died of polypharmacy with the following substances in his body tissues:codeine5. DemerolSteroids/ACTH6. AmobarbitalValium7. PhenobarbitalEthchlorvynol8. Methaqualone very high